[68.5] A Monster Like Me

In an instant, I felt as if I was thrown back into a smoke-filled room, crawling on the floor as I desperately tried to protect the invaluable paintings in my arms.

I could only hear his malicious laughter echo in the smoke.

-It's all your fault-

-It's all your fault-

-It's all your fault-

I screamed out in agony, "GIVE ME MY BROTHER BACK!"

"GIVE ME MY CONFIDENCE BACK!"

"GIVE ME MY FRIEND BACK!"

"GIVE ME MY LIFE BACK!"

I took in a deep breath and bellowed out into the darkness, "GIVE ME MY BABY BACK!"

"Mother! Mother!"

"Huh?"

A screen suddenly appeared in front of my face. It was so bright, it nearly blinded me.

I squinted in confusion and watched as a scene played out for me on that screen.

There were two adults, both holding the hand of a small child who stood between them. The woman wore a dress that swayed with each step she took, but I couldn't see her face as it was blurred by a bright light.

Listening to the child's giggles, I felt myself smiling.

However, I froze when I realized just who the man was holding that child's hand.

I could recognize that soft chuckle and blonde hair anywhere.

I reached out to the screen, "Cyrus…"

"-Mother!"

My hand froze, just before touching that screen.

I turned around watching as Asmonious cried amongst the smoke.

He looked so scared…

So alone….

I know I should go save him, but…

I turned back to the screen, desperately wishing to hold his hand again.

Cyrus… I miss you so much…

"Mother!" The child behind me whimpered pitifully, "Please… Please don't leave me…"

I took a deep breath and forced myself away from the screen, "I'm sorry, Cyrus… Please just wait for me a little while longer."

Before I could change my mind, I rushed back to the boy crying out for me. I felt the smoke grabbing onto my shoulders trying to hold me back, but I couldn't allow that poor child to cry.

I suddenly broke free of its hold, stepping free of the monster-like shell I had somehow created. My arms wrapped around the sobbing child as I hummed to comfort him, "There, there… I'm here."

The child whimpered, being extra careful not to shed a single tear.

Ignoring the decaying environment around me, I continued to hug that child until the rage in my heart dissipated. I slowly turned my head, glaring at the woman in the cloak. I clenched my jaw as I forced down my hatred, "Get. Lost."

Her pale expression was clear as she stared back at me in fear. However, I didn't need to threaten her more as she quickly grabbed the man next to her, "Retreat."

Surprisingly, that hideous man chose to listen to her and left his "precious pup" behind.

Confirming that they did escape, I rubbed Asmonious's back to comfort him. I cooed, "Were you scared? Did I scare you?"

He whimpered, shaking his head quickly.

I smiled, "Are you sure? I showed you my… Not so great side. It had to be very scary for you."

"N-No…"

"But don't you think I looked like a monster? Are you sure you weren't scared?"

"Well… I was scared… Seeing my father again… But…" His dull orange eyes slowly raised to look at my blinding face, "You… You protected me."

My eyebrows raised in understanding, "Wait… Were you more scared of that man than me?"

He nodded timidly, "I… Father… Father scares me. But not you…"

"What did I do to get a sweet boy like you..." I picked him up and hugged him close, "You can always count on your precious master to protect you. No matter what, I will be there."

"Mother-Er. I mean Master-"

I smirked, "I told you that you can call me whatever you'd like. If you feel more comfortable calling me Mother, then do it."

How could I stop you, especially after all of that?

Even though I am a terrible parent, I'm at least better than that piece of garbage.

He blushed, snuggling closer in my embrace. I heard him murmur, "Mother…"

I felt the ice around my heart start to melt. I let out a sigh, "Ah… If you weren't here, I would have killed both of them without hesitation."

"Hm?"

"Nothing, nothing." I rubbed the top of his head as I started walking back towards the mountain, "Just mumbling to myself."

Although I do feel like I will regret letting those two go…

The boy smiled peacefully as he wrapped his arms around my neck. He snuggled in whispering to himself, "Mother is just like me…"